Community Forums

thebignewt · 06-22-2016, 10:38 AM

I know you have to sign up with DirectTV or Dish and get their receiver box or Genie. But do most coaches come with the thing to point at the satellite? And do they ever come with an antenna for OTA television in case you're somewhere that gets a digital HD signal? Thanks in advance. We're looking at a new Winnebago Fuse and I forgot to ask the salesman about it.

Gary RVRoamer · 06-22-2016, 10:46 AM

Standard equipment varies by model, but the Fuse does not have a dome unless the dealer ordered it that way. I'm not even sure it's available as an option. It does, however, have an antenna for air broadcast TV.

Any RV dealer can install a dome or other type satellite antenna.

MtnTrek · 06-22-2016, 11:33 AM

Satellite antenna's (auto) are generally a somewhat pricy option that can be factory or dealer installed. Many manufactures offer a modest wiring prep (rooftop) option also to make future installs easier. This allows varying styles to be spec'd. Research required here for your wants / needs. There is usually std. coax run for a basic Sat. & park cable TV hookup to the main TV areas.
The antenna (LNA) has to be matched to the service providers receiver you're anticipating using.

An OTA antenna is generally provided as Std. equip. although there are style and basic operation options. Some models crank up and offer manual rotation features. Others can be small flat panels that just swivel or there are mini dome like auto tuning models. Most have a built in signal 12v. amplifiers. Generally reception is very good in most areas with broadcast DTV OTA.

We've found the Winegard (Sat. & DTV-OTA) TV products tend to work very well. YMMV.

Happy trails.

thebignewt · 06-22-2016, 11:57 AM

Thanks. So a DirectTV receiving rooftop thingy won't work with Dish. I can see why they make you do that later. I guess some people just set the thing on the ground by their rig and point it at the satellite.

MtnTrek · 06-22-2016, 12:49 PM

YW,

Correct, Although there are retrofits that can be made to adapt service providers I'm not versed in the process. I'd wager they're not cheap.

Yes, sometimes simplicity has benefits, plus there are situations where, do to tree's or other obstructions, the "tripod" or "tailgater" on a coax will get service.
Although, a one button push to raise and lock onto sat.(s) is convenient.

Most if not everything in this (hobby, lifestyle, adventure, passion, *________) is a compromise.

* fill in blank.

Enjoy the ride.

NevadaNick · 06-22-2016, 02:03 PM

The factory installed dish on our mh can recieve either Dish or DirectTv. Its just a matter of changing dip switches on it.

Mike and Cha · 06-23-2016, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NevadaNick

The factory installed dish on our mh can recieve either Dish or DirectTv. Its just a matter of changing dip switches on it.

Same here, just depends on what you buy as some report that it isn't possible to have both, but ours does have both capabilities.

Crabb E · 06-23-2016, 03:35 PM

We have a sat dome on our mh and in a lot of places it it useless because of obstructions (tress, building,whatever) So we just purchased a Dish Tailgater for those times. Portable and you're able to get a clear shot at the satellites in most cases. If I had it to do over I would have never installed one on the top of the mh.
Just my 2 cents.

montyhp · 06-23-2016, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike and Cha

Same here, just depends on what you buy as some report that it isn't possible to have both, but ours does have both capabilities.

mine "supposedly" is switchable too. Just can't bring myself to hook it up as it is Standard Definition only and I am just not interested.

OLYLEN · 06-24-2016, 08:31 AM

It wasn't that long ago that statements like unless you have a TV over 32" you don't get anything out of high def. Very few RVs come with a Sat dish and most of the new roof top are able to be set for the providers. Most are pre wired with a mark on the roof for placement. And can be installed by dealers of either the RV or those specific for the provider and the latter would be preferred, they install full time not just once in a while, plus could be mush cheaper than a dealer markup.

LEN